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Addressing Challenges to Providing Peer-Based Recovery Support

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Abstract

As more systems of care deploy peer-based recovery support (P-BRS) programs, challenges to the effective use of P-BRS have emerged. These include external challenges, embedded in the organization and culture of traditionally organized services, and individual challenges, associated with the nonprofessional status of individual peer support staff members. The Living Centers, recovery resource centers providing P-BRS, have developed methods for addressing these challenges. These include organizing the P-BRS as stand-alone programs, having peer support staff and clients organize the P-BRS, emphasizing organizational values and culture as the basis for staff training, and implementing measures designed to encourage accountability among peer support staff. In the future, research into the types of barriers to P-BRS that may exist in traditionally organized behavioral health services and the types and content of training that contribute to the provision of P-BRS will facilitate the use of these services.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Colorado River Behavioral Health System, LLC, 1444 S. 4th Avenue, Yuma, AZ, 85364, USA

    Anthony J. Alberta PhD & Richard R. Ploski

  2. Sonoran Research Group, LLC, Phoenix, AZ, USA

    Scott L. Carlson

Authors
  1. Anthony J. Alberta PhD
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  2. Richard R. Ploski
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  3. Scott L. Carlson
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Correspondence to Anthony J. Alberta PhD.

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Alberta, A.J., Ploski, R.R. & Carlson, S.L. Addressing Challenges to Providing Peer-Based Recovery Support. J Behav Health Serv Res 39, 481–491 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-012-9286-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-012-9286-y

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